Press Releases

Hastings Introduces H.Res.138, Supporting the Concurrent-Track Approach to the Middle East Peace Process

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement after introducing a resolution supporting the concurrent-track approach to the Middle East Peace Process. Joining Hastings in introducing the resolution were House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Rob Woodall (R-GA). (Please find attached a copy of the resolution):

“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict presents an immensely difficult challenge that has no easy answers. Despite the lack of progress on a formal peace agreement, Israel and some of her Arab neighbors have worked quietly and behind the scenes to improve bilateral relations in recent years. Recent signals from Arab nations, including Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, underscore the opportunities that exist to improve security, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. The concurrent-track approach, where Arab and Muslim-majority states work to improve their bilateral relations with Israel as Israel and the Palestinian Authority work concurrently to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, can help establish a new paradigm for the region. I thank my colleagues for introducing this bipartisan resolution with me and urge its timely consideration by the House,” said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings.

"The United States has every interest in helping our ally, Israel, find new opportunities for cooperation and peace with all of its neighbors. I welcome the recent advances of Oman and recent statements from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates about Israel. These are critical steps toward a more secure Middle East. This resolution makes an important statement about Congressional expectations for establishing peace in the Middle East, and I applaud Mr. Hastings and Mr. Schweikert for their leadership on this issue,” said Congressman Eliot Engel.

“I am pleased to see this resolution re-introduced. As a steadfast supporter of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and one of America’s strongest allies, it is important to support peace in the region. The Administration has long pushed for Arab states in the region to improve relations with Israel, which is something we should continue to encourage,” said Congressman David Schweikert.

“There is no question in my mind that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people will only be solved when both sides are able to come together and agree on a peaceful, two-state solution. With the unwavering support of the United States and peace-loving countries in the region and around the world, I hope that we can help provide Israel and the Palestinian Authority the opportunity to seize that two-state solution,” said Congressman Rob Woodall. “I am so proud to join my good friend Mr. Hastings in being an original co-sponsor of this resolution. Our long partnership working together on this issue is testament to how important resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is and how it transcends traditional partisan lines.”

About the Resolution:

H.Res.138 reaffirms support for a two-state solution negotiated between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority and urges the Palestinian Authority and regional Arab and Muslim-majority states to engage in negotiations with the State of Israel to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and support the normalization of bilateral relations. The resolution commends the State of Israel's ongoing efforts to improve relations with Arab and Muslim-majority states in the region and those Arab and Muslim-majority states that have taken steps to improve bilateral relations with Israel.

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.